Performance Rewired

Yuka Sugiura & Nikki Bybee
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Life Sciences

Performance Rewired is a podcast for movement experts ready to challenge everything they’ve been taught about learning movement and tap into a brain-based approach to performance.  For dancers, gymnasts, artistic athletes, instructors, and coaches who want to understand what’s really behind elite performance. Hosted by Nikki Bybee and Yuka Sugiura, master neuro trainers and performance coaches.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 6: How to Incorporate Neurotraining In High Performance Athletes, Dancers, and Gymnasts— Boost Your Movement, Resilience, and Longevity

    Discover how neuro performance training can enhance athletic and dance performance, prolong careers, and optimize movement efficiency. This episode explores the integration of neuro training into high-performance routines, emphasizing the importance of training the brain and nervous system alongside physical strength. In this episode The hierarchy of movement: Why the brain's input (visual, vestibular, sensory systems) governs muscle functionHow neuro training acts as the software for the body's hardware, optimizing movement and performanceThe significance of neuro training for high-level athletes, dancers, and performers aiming for that extra 1% boostWays to incorporate neuro drills into daily routines, training sessions, and pre-performance routinesThe role of neuro training in reducing tension, unraveling compensations, and preventing injury or plateauUnderstanding the nervous system’s role in pain, tension, and movement limitationsHow neuro training enhances resilience and adaptability to high stress and demanding environmentsCase examples: Olympic athletes, dancers, and even horses benefiting from resilience-building neuro protocolsPractical tips on assessing nervous system thresholds and customizing neuro interventionsTimestamps 00:00 - Introduction: How neuro training fits into high performance and why it matters 00:17 - The hierarchy of biomechanics: inputs controlling muscle function 00:47 - Neuro training as the brain's software, enhancing the body's hardware 01:30 - Benefits for elite athletes and dancers: performance edge and career longevity 02:45 - How neuro training can reduce tension and undo compensations 03:36 - Addressing nervous system regulation in movement and performance 04:04 - Why high performers plateau and how neuro training offers a solution 05:04 - Integrating neuro drills into busy training routines and pre-performance warm-ups 07:19 - The importance of resilience and managing high-stress environments 08:14 - Understanding pain and tension as signals from the brain, not just biomechanics 09:03 - The power of neurotraining to improve force generation and movement control 10:11 - Case example: Adding neuro drills to already intense routines for measurable gains 11:21 - The emerging science supporting neuro performance training in sports and dance 12:26 - How to assess nervous system readiness and determine low thresholds for stress 13:15 - Case studies from athletes and performers: managing stress, tension, and fatigue 14:42 - Tension as a sign of nervous system overload and how neuro training resets it 15:52 - The role of the nervous system in safety, survival, and movement restrictions 16:23 - How neuro training can unlock hidden potential by calming protective responses 17:47 - The misconception of pain and injury—pain as a brain-protective response 18:50 - Building resilience through neuro protocols: high stress, high performance environments 19:40 - Practical ways to incorporate neuro drills during training or in daily life 20:42 - How enhanced sensory input improves force production and movement efficiency 22:29 - The significance of visual convergence and neuro-ergonomic exercises 23:54 - Simple neuro drills for athletes: between sets, pre-performance, or as part of a warm-up 25:19 - Scaffolding neuro training into existing routines: eye drills, vestibular exercises, etc. 26:50 - Recognizing signs of nervous system fatigue and thresholds for neuro intervention 27:47 - The importance of resilience in managing stress, fatigue, and unpredictability 28:41 - Low threshold indicators: pain, instability, inconsistent movement patterns 29:16 - Resilience as adaptability and how neuro training enhances it 30:16 - Recognizing when neuro training can shift nervous system responses for better performance 31:11 - A horse’s resilience training: chaos and calm through neuro protocols Instagram: @TotalHorseMethod 33:00 - Wrapping up: Evolving high-performance training by focusing on brain and nervous system 33:23 - Final thoughts: Engage the brain purposefully, train what matters, and optimize your movement Connect with us: Yuka on Instagram (@levelupneuro)Nikki on Instagram (@bybee_nikki)Performance Rewired YouTubeSubscribe to our newsletters: Yuka: LevelUp NewsletterNikki: Transformational Newsletter

    35 min

  2. May 27

    Episode 5: The Vestibular System's Hidden Role in High-Performance Athletes

    Discover why the vestibular system, a crucial set of organs in the inner ear, can significantly impact athletic performance, balance, and movement. Learn how fine-tuning this system can lead to rapid improvements in stability, flexibility, and overall coordination, as well as reduce spinal tension. In this episode: The role of the vestibular system in balancing and spatial orientationHow vestibular dysfunction affects elite athletes and dancersSimple tests and drills to assess and enhance vestibular functionThe misconception of BOSU balls as proprioceptive toolsRelationship between vestibular health, postural tension, and movement qualityCase studies demonstrating quick progress with targeted vestibular trainingTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the powerful vestibular system 01:53 - The importance of understanding vestibular health for performers 02:22 - How the inner ear regulates balance and spatial relationships 03:07 - The impact of vestibular dysfunction in elite athletes 04:17 - Common signs of vestibular system issues and their effects 05:09 - What is the vestibular system and how does it work? 08:18 - The vestibulo-ocular reflex and its importance for focus during movement 09:12 - How delayed reactions reveal vestibular deficiencies 10:06 - Rapid and effective training methods for the vestibular system 11:43 - The connection between balance, eye focus, and performance 13:06 - How vestibular assessments help guide training, especially in young athletes 14:46 - The significance of reflexes in movement and performance 16:00 - Common signs of vestibular dysfunction in gymnasts and dancers 17:41 - Practical examples of vestibular influence on flexibility and strength 19:11 - The impact of vestibular training on spinal tension and movement range 22:37 - Success stories of rapid adaptation through vestibular rehab 25:09 - Functional movements to train the vestibular system effectively 27:45 - Signs of vestibular issues in gait and posture 29:21 - Using Romberg’s test as an assessment tool 32:21 - The importance of moving the head and eyes during balance training 33:17 - The essential role of vestibular skills in everyday movement and athletic performance Resources & Links: The Vestibular System: Your Body’s Secret Weapon - Yuka’s clinic on the vestibular systemRomberg’s Test Demo VOR (Vestibulo-oculo Reflex) DemoConnect with the Hosts: Yuka - IG: @levelupneuroNikki - IG: @bybee_nikki

    37 min

  3. May 13

    Episode 4: Convergence - A Crucial Visual Skill for Dance and Gymnastics

    In this episode, we explore how visual skills, particularly convergence, impact movement,  performance, and injury prevention in dance and athletics. You’ll find practical insights into  diagnosing convergence issues and techniques to improve visual capacity for better performance.  Main Topics: The role of convergence in movement and performance How to self-assess convergence skills Insight into optimizing visual input for better balance, movement, and injury preventionThe impact of visual system efficiency on sports like gymnastics and dancePractical exercises to enhance convergence and visual awareness In this episode:  How convergence influences depth judgment, balance, and coordinationCommon signs of convergence issues Case examples of athletes with convergence deficiencies and their effects on performanceThe relationship between eye health, tension, and movement safety Timestamps:  00:00 - The influence of eye convergence on movement  02:30 - Prevalence of convergence insufficiency among children and adults  04:10 - Case study: Traumatic brain injury and convergence challenges  06:47 - How convergence impacts depth perception and spatial awareness  09:00 - Examples from gymnastics and sports illustrating visual system importance  12:14 - Personal experiences with eye dominance and depth perception issues  15:07 - How visual input drives movement safety and efficiency in dance and sports  17:38 - The importance of convergence training in improving athletic performance 22:22 - Signs of visual fatigue linked to injury risk and mental blocks  25:07 - Why train your visual system for optimal movement and safety  26:50 - Quick self-assessment for convergence capabilities  28:31 - Practical exercises to improve convergence and visual coordination  30:18 - Final thoughts: vision as a critical, trainable component of performance  Resources & Links:  A Basic Convergence Exercise: Pencil Push Ups Connect with Yuka & Nikki:  IG: @bybee_nikki IG: @levelupneuro Join our newsletters:  LevelUp Newsletter Elevated Performance Newsletter

    30 min

  4. Apr 29

    Episode 3: Enhancing Movement Through Vision - The Power of Eye Training in Dance and Gymnastics Performance

    Discover how your eyes influence movement, performance, and overall physical health. This episode explores the deep connection between vision and motor skills, providing practical insights into improving visual skills for athletes and movers alike. Key topics The critical role of vision in motor development and movement efficiencyHow early eye tracking (smooth pursuit) influences locomotionThe connection between eye health, movement, and neck painAssessment tools for visual system deficiencies impacting performancePractical drills to enhance visual skills such as smooth pursuit, saccades, and accommodationThe impact of visual training on athletic reflexes, balance, and confidenceReweighting neural pathways through targeted eye exercisesCase studies: from dance to sports—how vision training improves outcomesThe relationship between visual input and reprogramming motor patternsSimple daily eye exercises for immediate movement and performance benefitsTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the importance of vision in movement00:21 - Personal updates and new neuro performance mentorship program 02:18 - How visual skills impact athletic performance 04:20 - Visual system's role from infancy to adult movement 05:51 - How vision influences safety, balance, and coordination 06:02 - Developmental milestones: eye tracking and locomotion 07:36 - The significance of visual skills like focus, acuity, and pursuit 08:56 - Vision as a primary sensory input for spatial awareness 09:23 - Consequences of vision impairments on confidence and movement 11:18 - Visual skills assessment and neural pathways 12:34 - How eye motion reveals neurological and motor coordination issues 13:44 - Practical examples: improving sports performance with visual drills 16:56 - The impact of focus, accommodation, and eye muscle efficiency 20:23 - Visual training's effect on high-level performance and reflexes22:44 - Simple drills to train smooth pursuit, saccades, and near-far focus 35:51 - Incorporating eye exercises into daily routines for performance gains 39:20 - Final thoughts on vision training as a foundational tool for movement improvementResources & Links: Rewiring Performance Mentorship (Enrollment opens May 4th)Smooth Pursuits - An exercise for the cerebellumHorizontal Saccades - An exercise for the frontal lobePencil Push-ups - An exercise for convergenceConnect with Nikki and Yuka! Yuka - IG:  @levelupneuroNikki - IG: @bybee_nikkiJoin our newsletters:  LevelUp NewsletterElevated Performance NewsletterYouTube: @performance-rewired

    42 min

  5. Apr 15

    Episode 1: Understanding the Frontal Lobe

    In this episode, we explore how the frontal lobe influences movement, decision-making, and inhibition, with insights from dancers, gymnasts, and case studies. We discuss practical drills and exercises to activate the frontal lobe, improve movement initiation, and reduce unnecessary tension, enhancing athletic performance and everyday function. Key topics: The anatomy of the frontal lobe: primary motor cortex, motor association cortex, prefrontal cortex, Broca's area, and the frontal eye fieldHow the frontal lobe controls movement initiation, planning, and inhibitionThe relationship between the frontal lobe and movement disorders like Parkinson’s and ADHDPractical exercises: Stroop activity, saccades, and balance drills to activate and train the frontal lobeThe impact of frontal lobe activity on movement fluidity, tension, and reflexive responsesCase studies: eye movement delay in patients with brain tumors and personal experiences with initiation/inhibition challengesThe global influence of frontal lobe function on daily habits, gait, and emotional regulationTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and the importance of studying the frontal lobe in movement02:25 - Overview of the frontal lobe regions involved in movement control03:06 - Primary motor cortex and inhibition versus initiation roles04:01 - The motor association cortex as the brain’s navigator for movement plans05:01 - Executive functions housed in the prefrontal cortex: decision-making and emotionalregulation06:26 - The frontal lobe as the brain’s CEO in movement07:06 - Coordination of brain regions for seamless responses08:00 - How the brain anticipates and prepares for movement using the motor association cortex09:22 - The impact of over-monitoring on movement fluidity and tension10:20 - Fear, mental rehearsal, and the "frozen" states in movement execution11:19 - Case study: eye movement delays post-brain tumor removal12:23 - Personal experiences with initiation delays in weight training and eye pursuits15:34 - Broader effects: initiation issues in habits and early signs of neurodegenerative conditions19:47 - Drills to activate the frontal lobe: Stroop activity, saccades, and balance exercises23:32 - Practical application in dance, gymnastics, and athletic training24:33 - Using saccades and inhibitory games to enhance power and fluidity in movement31:37 - Closing thoughts and reflection on the global influence of frontal lobe functionResources & Links: Stroop Test ExplanationSaccades and Eye Movement DrillsConnect with Yuka and Nikki: Yuka - IG @levelupneuroNikki - IG: @bybee_nikkiJoin our newsletters: LevelUp NewsletterElevated Performance Newsletter

    30 min

  6. Apr 15

    Episode 2: Unlocking Movement Mastery - The Power of the Cerebellum

    Discover how understanding and training the cerebellum can dramatically enhance coordination, balance, and agility—especially for dancers, gymnasts, athletes and movement enthusiasts. Join us as we explore the brain's tiny yet mighty structure that controls precision, muscle tone, and error correction in movement. In this episode: The cerebellum's core functions: accuracy, balance, and coordinationHow cerebellar drills improve trunk control, eye movement, and limb precisionThe significance of right-left limb balance and strategies to assess imbalancesSimple assessment tools: RAPS, heel-to-shin, and eye trackingPractical drills for cerebellar training to boost athletic performance The impact of cerebellum health on muscle tone, and postureRelationship between cerebellar function and neurological conditions like hypotoniaHow to tailor training programs based on cerebellar assessmentsTimestamps 00:00 - Introduction to the cerebellum's role in movement00:48 - The cerebellum and trunk control: a dancer's story01:06 - Coordination in sprained ankles and brain-body maps02:07 - How cerebellar function affects angular vs. smooth movement04:11 - The ABCs of the cerebellum: accuracy, balance, coordination04:43 - Error detection and correction: refining motor plans05:13 - How the cerebellum acts as a project manager in movement06:40 - Signs of cerebellar imbalance: stiffness and angularity07:09 - Regulation of muscle tone and reflexive postural control07:49 - Roadside cerebellar tests and eye coordination drills09:16 - Personal gaze stabilization exercises and their benefits10:24 - Zones of the cerebellum: vermis, intermediate, lateral zones11:21 - Assessing limb control and fine motor skills12:57 - The importance of bilateral training in dance and gymnastics15:23 - Assessment tools: diadochokinesia, heel-to-shin, circle drawing18:13 - Recognizing cerebellar deficiency: slow and flailing movements20:22 - Foot and leg coordination tests for balance and power23:01 - Posture and muscle tone: cerebellar contributions25:23 - The spinocerebellum and eye convergence in sports27:27 - The cerebellum's neuronal density and metabolic impact28:52 - Practical outcomes of cerebellar training: better coordination, balance, and strength30:39 - Tailoring cerebellar drills for individual imbalances32:42 - Recognizing and addressing hypotonia related to cerebellar lesions33:04 - Final thoughts on the tiny but powerful cerebellumResources & Links RAPS (Rapid Alternating Pronation / Supination) also known as diadochokinesia, the ability to perform fast alternating movementsConnect with Nikki and Yuka! Yuka - IG:  @levelupneuroNikki - IG: @bybee_nikkiJoin our newsletters:  LevelUp NewsletterElevated Performance NewsletterYouTube: @performance-rewired

    36 min
  7. Trailer

    Mar 30

    Trailer

    Welcome to the trailer for Performance Rewired! In this episode we talk about our backgrounds, why we wanted to start a podcast, and how we hope to educate gymnasts, dancers, coaches and instructors on what it actually means to apply neuroscience to these pursuits, how you and your students can benefit, and share practical ways to do it. Things we covered: •Why we started a podcast •Our background and education, how we came to neuroscience and why it’s now central to how we work •How conventional training falls short •The brain’s role in movement •Real-world success stories •Key take-aways and what’s next Connect with Yuka and Nikki: Yuka - IG @levelupneuro Nikki - IG: @bybee_nikki Join our newsletters: LevelUp Newsletter Elevated Performance Newsletter

    14 min
  • 7 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Performance Rewired is a podcast for movement experts ready to challenge everything they’ve been taught about learning movement and tap into a brain-based approach to performance.  For dancers, gymnasts, artistic athletes, instructors, and coaches who want to understand what’s really behind elite performance. Hosted by Nikki Bybee and Yuka Sugiura, master neuro trainers and performance coaches.

Information

  • Creator
    Yuka Sugiura & Nikki Bybee
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Performance Rewired
  • Show Website
    Performance Rewired

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